Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned caravaner, buying a caravan is a big financial and lifestyle decision, so it’s important to take some time to plan your purchase. When looking at caravans for sale, the sheer number of styles, sizes and layouts, coupled with the question of whether you should buy second-hand or new, can be completely overwhelming, even for experienced travellers.
The trick is to have a plan and know what your must-haves are, as well as determining your budget and sticking to it. Caravanning is an excellent way to travel, blending some of the creature comforts of home with some of the challenges and triumphs that come with adopting a nomadic lifestyle. Here are some considerations and questions you should ask before buying a caravan.
H2: Think About the Size
One of the most important considerations when looking at caravans for sale is size. If you’re a younger couple with no children, you can get away with something a bit smaller and cheaper to start out with. If you’re a family of three or more, however, you’ll need to think about the size of the caravan and how it will contribute to (or detract from) your family’s overall comfort.
When looking at your prospective caravan, pay particular attention to its layout. Most modern caravans incorporate space-saving designs and savvy engineering for the floor-plan conscious. There are usually extra storage compartments and appliances, as well as bedding that performs dual functions to save space. If in doubt, choose the caravan that capitalises on its space the best.
H2: What Kind of Adventures Will You Be Having?
For most, a standard caravan made from aluminium materials will be more than enough to suffice as well as withstand any adverse weather conditions encountered on the road. However, if you’re looking to get a little more adventurous and want to try something such as off-roading, you’ll want a caravan that’s built to withstand more punishment.
An off-road style caravan might come with a bigger price tag, but the upside is they typically also come with bigger water tanks, solar panels, and a better battery management system that ensures you won’t get left in the lurch. Take time to consider what kind of travels you’ll be undertaking and whether something more heavy-duty like an off-road caravan might be warranted.
H2: Towing Capacity/Towing Weight
It should go without saying, but you don’t want to buy a caravan that exceeds your towing vehicle’s maximum towing capabilities. While this might seem straightforward, due to the number of moving parts and things to account for in a caravan, the towing weight can be confusing to figure out.
If you’re going to check out caravans for sale, the best strategy is to take a copy of the manual of your towing vehicle with you or write down the weight your vehicle can safely tow beforehand. Your towing vehicle’s manufacturer should also have information online pertaining to the combination of weights and what you can safely and legally tow.